Imaging optical system and electronic apparatus using the same

ABSTRACT

The image forming optical system comprises in order from an object side,
     a first lens having positive refracting power and a concave surface directed toward an object side,   a second lens having double convex surfaces, an aperture stop,   a third lens which is meniscus lens having negative refracting power and a convex surface directed toward an image side, and a fourth lens having positive refracting power. Each surface at an object side and at an image side of the fourth lens is formed an aspherical surface having radius of curvature which decreases toward a circumferential portion, and the following condition is satisfied:
 
0.05&lt;φ m/φp &lt;0.90−2.0&lt; r   1   f/f &lt;−0.1
 
where φm represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the maximum light height, φp is the power of the fourth lens at the position of the praxis, r 1 f is the radius of curvature of the first lens at the object side, and f is the focal length of the image forming optical system as a whole system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming optical system which can be used for an imaging unit with the solid-state imaging element of CCD, CMOS and the like. For example, it relates to an image forming optical system which can be used for a miniature camera and a monitor camera and the like which are equipped in, for example, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a cellular phone, PC and the like. The present invention also relates to an electronic instrument such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a cellular phone, PC and the like which use the image forming optical system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, electronic cameras for taking a photograph by using a solid-state imaging element like CCD and CMOS instead of using a silver salt film have become popular. In such electronic cameras, for an imaging unit which is equipped in a portable type computer or a cellular phone and the like, miniaturization and weight-lightening have been particularly demanded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The image forming optical system according to the present invention comprises in order from an object side, a first lens which has negative refracting power and a concave surface directed toward an object side, a second lens which has positive refracting power and double convex surfaces, an aperture stop, a third lens which is meniscus lens having negative refracting power and a convex surface directed toward an image side and a fourth lens having positive refracting power.

In the image forming optical system according to the present invention, each surface a tan object side and a surface at an image side of the fourth lens is formed to be an aspherical surface, each radius of curvature of which decreases toward a circumferential portion respectively, and the following condition is satisfied: 0.05<φm/φp<0.90 where φm represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the maximum light height and φp represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the praxis.

In the image forming optical system according to the present invention, the following condition is satisfied. −2.0<r1f/f<−0.1 where r1f represents the radius of curvature of the first lens at the object side and f is the focal length of the image forming optical system as a whole system.

In the image forming optical system according to the present invention, the following condition is satisfied: 0.30[1/μm]<Fno/P[μm]<2.50[1/μm] where Fno represents the F number fully opened in the image forming optical system and P represents the pixel pitch of an imaging element.

In the image forming optical system according to the present invention, the following condition is satisfied: 0.02<ML/TL<0.15 where TL represents the whole length of the image forming optical system and ML represents the minimum thickness on the axis of a plastic lens constituting the image forming optical system.

The electric device according to the present invention is equipped with the image forming optical system mentioned above.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement developed along the optical axis in the first embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion in the first embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement, developed along the optical axis in the second embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion in the second embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement, developed along the optical axis in the third embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion in the third embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement, developed along the optical axis in the fourth embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing a spherical aberration, an astigmatism and a distortion in the fourth embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a front view and a rear view showing an outlined construction of a cellular phone embodied by an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view showing an outlined construction of a digital camera embodied by an image forming optical system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Prior to explaining embodiments, reasons why the constitution of the present invention has been made as well as function and advantages of the present invention will be explained.

First, the number of lens constituting the image forming optical system is explained. Taking into consideration of performance and miniaturization, the image forming optical system of the present invention is constituted with four lenses which are the first lens, the second lens, the third lens and the fourth lens as mentioned above. Here, if an image forming optical system is constituted with five or more lenses, it is evident that the performance is improved further. However, if the number of lens increases by one, the thickness of a lens, the distance between lenses and the space for frame increase accordingly, and enlarging of the size is inevitable.

In case that the image forming optical system is constituted with three lenses or less than three lenses, coexistence of chromatic aberration on the axis and a curvature of field is difficult. Even if performance could be secured by using many aspherical surfaces, difficulty arises in manufacture since decentering sensitivity becomes large. Therefore, it is the most appropriate that an image forming optical system is constituted with four lenses as for performance as well as size.

Negative lens as the first lens is formed to be a meniscus lens having a concave surface directed toward the object side. By such constitution, the surface at the object side becomes to have negative power, a wide angle image forming optical system can be attained.

Next, in case that for example, CCD as an imaging element is used in order to maintain a good performance for condensing light, the incident angle of light to an imaging element must be made small. For this purpose, it is desirable to arrange an aperture stop at distant position from an image plane, or to arrange an image of the aperture stop at distant position from an image plane. In a wide angle optical system, it is necessary to reduce generation of distortion in a circumferential portion of a picture image plane and a chromatic aberration of magnification. For this purpose, it is desirable to arrange an aperture stop at the position where power arrangement of an optical system becomes symmetrical.

From such two reasons mentioned above, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, the aperture stop is arranged between the second lens and the third lens. That is, the image forming optical system of the present invention is constituted as an optical system in which wide angle and telecentric function are much noted as important factors.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, the third lens is made to be a negative meniscus lens having a convex surface directed toward the image side. By such arrangement, deflection angle, that is, an angle which is formed by an incident light and an emanated light, can be kept small, and generation of an aberration at each refracting surface can be suppressed. A fluctuation of the performance of lens at the relative decentering state can be small as much as possible since amount of aberration generated at non decentering state is small.

The fourth lens of the present invention is an important lens in order to make an incident angle of light to an imaging element small. Then, the incident angle of light at a circumferential portion to the imaging element can be made small by constituting that a surface at the object side and a surface at the image side of the fourth lens are formed to be aspherical surfaces, where each radius of curvature of the surfaces decreases toward a circumferential portion.

This is a shape by which an deflection angle, that is, an angle defined by an incident angle and an emanated angle of light to the fourth lens becomes the minimum.

Therefore, it is possible to satisfy the restrictive conditions mentioned above while suppressing generation of aberration.

Therefore, it is important to satisfy the following condition (1): 0.05<φm/φp<0.90  (1) where φm represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the maximum light height and φp represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the praxis.

Here, the power φm of the lens at the position with the maximum light height is defined as follows. It is given by φm=tan ξ/Hm , when a parallel light is entered to the maximum light height Hm of the lens to be an object from the infinite point of the object side, and an inclined angle after passing through the lens is ξ.

When φm/φp exceeds the upper limit of this condition (1), the power of the circumferential portion of the lens becomes too much strong and the correction of the incident angle of the light becomes excessive.

On the other hand, when it is less than the lower limit, the power of the circumferential portion of the lens becomes too much weak and the correction of the incident angle of the light becomes insufficient.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is better to satisfy the following condition (1′): 0.20<φm/φp<0.80  (1′)

Further, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is better to satisfy the following condition (1″): 0.40<φm/φp<0.70  (1″)

Furthermore, in order to obtain a large angle of field, it is necessary to make an incident surface which is at the utmost object side negative power moderately.

Therefore, the radius of curvature of the first lens becomes important.

Therefore, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is good to satisfy the following condition (2): −2.0<r1f/f<−0.1  (2) where r1f represents the radius of curvature of the first lens at the object side and f is the focal length of the image forming optical system as a whole system.

When r1f/f exceeds the upper limit of this condition (2), the power of the first surface becomes too much strong and the correction of the spherical aberration generated on the first surface becomes difficult.

Moreover, miniaturization cannot be achieved since the principal point position of the first lens shifts to the image side and the whole length of the image forming optical system becomes long. On the other hand, when it is less than the lower limit of the condition (2), the power of the 1st surface becomes small too much, and it becomes impossible to attain a wide angle optical system.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is desirable to satisfy the following condition (2′): −1.0<r1f/f<−0.2  (2′)

Furthermore, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is more desirable to satisfy the following condition (2″): −0.5<r1f/f<−0.4  (2″)

In the optical system of the present invention, by arranging that the composite power of the first lens and the second lens is made strong positive power arrangement, and the composite power of the third lens and the fourth lens is made weak positive power arrangement or negative power arrangement, the whole length of the image forming optical system can be made short.

Therefore, in order to keep a good balance of the whole length of the optical system and the performance to this type of power arrangement, it is desirable to satisfy the following condition (3): 0.3<f12/f<2.0  (3) where f12 represents the composite focal length of the first lens and the second lens, and f represents the whole focal length of the whole image forming optical system.

When f12/f exceeds the upper limit of this condition (3), it is disadvantageous for shortening of the whole length of the image forming optical system since the composite power of the first lens and the second lens becomes too much small. On the other hand, when it is less than the lower limit of the condition (3), the composite power of the first lens and the second lens becomes strong. Accordingly, the composite power of the third lens and the fourth lens must be strong to negative side. Consequently, an amount of aberration generated in each lens increases, and accordingly, it becomes difficult to secure the performance.

Preferably, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is good to satisfy the following condition (3′). 0.4<f12/f<1.5  (3′) More preferably, in the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is good to satisfy the following condition (3″): 0.6<f12/f<1.0  (3″)

By the way, when CCD is used for an imaging element, the phenomenon so-called shading occurs. This is the phenomenon in which the brightness of the picture image differs at the center portion of the picture image and at the circumferential portion of the picture image when an off axis light flux exited from an optical system enters into an image plane. On the other hand, if an incident angle to the image plane is small, the shading problem is mitigated. But in this case, the whole length of imaging optical system becomes long.

Therefore, in the image forming optical system, it is desirable to satisfy the following condition (4): 0.5<EXP/f<2.5  (4) where EXP represents the distance of the exit pupil from an image plane and f is the whole focal length of the image forming optical system.

When it exceeds the upper limit of condition (4), the whole length becomes long.

On the other hand, if it is less than the lower limit of condition (4), the incident angle to CCD becomes large too much, and the brightness of the circumferential portion of the picture image decreases.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is desirable to satisfy the following condition (4′). 0.8<EXP/f<1.8  (4′)

Furthermore, in the image forming optical system, it is more desirable to satisfy the following condition (4″): 1.0<EXP/f<1.4  (4″)

It is desirable that the positive lens as the fourth lens is made of plastic because weight lightening and cheapening manufacture cost can be achieved. Furthermore, it is desirable that the negative meniscus lens as the third lens is constituted with plastic, because weight lightening and cheapening manufacture cost can be achieved.

It is desirable to satisfy the following condition: 0.30[1/μm]<Fno/P[μm]<2.50[1/μm]  (5) where Fno represents the F number fully opened of the image forming optical system and P represents the pixel pitch of an imaging element.

When Fno/P exceeds the upper limit of this condition, the light quantity per one picture element becomes small since the optical system becomes too dark or the pixel pitch of the picture element becomes too small. Accordingly, shutter speed becomes slow, and this brings a cause of hand blur and increase of noise owing to long exposure time. On the other hand, when it is less than the lower limit of the condition, the pixel pitch of the picture element becomes too large and imaging data with fine pixel pitch cannot be obtained.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is more better to satisfy the following condition: 0.45[1/μm]<Fno/P[μm]<2.00[1/μm]  (5′)

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is much more better to satisfy the following condition: 0.55[1/μm]<Fno/P[μm]<1.18[1/μm]  (5″)

When it is defined that TL represents the whole length of the image forming optical system and ML represents the minimum thickness on the axis of a plastic lens constituting the image forming optical system, it is better to satisfy the following condition: 0.02<ML/TL<0.15  (6)

When ML/TL exceeds the upper limit of the condition the workability of a glass lens is aggravated, since the thickness of center portion of the glass lens cannot be sufficiently secured because the minimum thickness of a plastic lens on the axis is too big to the whole length of the optical system. On the other hand, when it is less the lower limit, the productivity is aggravated since plastic resin cannot be entered smoothly into formation die because the minimum thickness of the plastic lens on the axis is too small and accordingly it causes generating stress and double refraction as well as more time consuming for the molding.

In the image forming optical system of the present invention, it is better to satisfy the following condition. 0.04<ML/TL<0.12  (6′)

Furthermore, the image forming optical system of the present invention it is more better to satisfy the following condition. 0.06<ML/TL<0.10  (6″) As for an electric device, it is desirable that it is equipped with the image forming optical system mentioned above.

Hereafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained using drawings

The First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement developed along the optical axis in the first embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention. FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion of an image forming optical system in the first embodiment respectively.

In FIG. 1, the image forming optical system of the first embodiment comprises in order from an object side, a negative lens L1, a positive lens L2, an aperture stop S, a negative lens L3 and a positive lens L4. In FIG. 1, the reference symbol I represents an image plane of an imaging element.

The negative lens L1 is the first lens, a concave surface of which is directed toward an object side. The lens L2 is the second lens, convex surface of which is directed toward an object side. The negative lens L3 is the third lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an image side. The positive lens L4 is the fourth lens.

Aspherical surfaces are formed on both surfaces of negative lens L1, both surfaces of positive lens L2, both surfaces of negative lens L3 and both surfaces of positive lens L4.

Data of optical members constituting the image forming optical system of the first embodiment are listed below.

In the first embodiment, all lenses are made of plastic. As plastic materials used here, polycarbonate is used for the first lens L1, the third lens L3 and Zeonex (registered trademark) which is polyolefin material is used for the second lens L2 and the fourth lens L4.

On the image plane of the image forming optical system, an imaging element having 1,300,000 pixels (a pitch of picture element 3.5 μm) in ⅓ inches square is arranged.

When z is taken as the coordinate in the direction of the optical axis, y is taken as the coordinate normal to the optical axis, K represents a conic constant, and a,b,c, and d represent aspherical coefficients, the configuration of each of the aspherical surface is expressed by the following equation: z=(y ² /r)/[1+{1−(1+K)(y/r)²}^(1/2) ]+ay ⁴ +by ⁶ +cy ⁸ +dy ¹⁰

These symbols hold for the numerical data of embodiments to be described later.

Numerical Data 1

the focal length: 4.60 mm,

Fno (fully opened F number):2.87,

the image height: 3.0 mm,

half field angle: 33°.

Surface Surface Radius distance Refraction No. curvature (Air space) Index Abbe's No. Object ∞ ∞ surface 1 aspherical [1] 0.60 1.5839 30.2 2 aspherical [2] 0.10 3 aspherical [3] 1.16 1.5256 56.4 4 aspherical [4] 0.10 5 aperture stop 1.40 6 aspherical [5] 0.60 1.5839 30.2 7 aspherical [6] 0.10 8 aspherical [7] 1.45 1.5256 56.4 9 aspherical [8] 1.50 Image ∞ plane aspherical [1] radius of curvature −1.98 k = −6.6125 × 10⁺⁰ a =   5.0058 × 10⁻³ b = −2.2899 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [2] radius of curvature −4.21 k = −3.1662 × 10⁺¹ a =   1.1680 × 10⁻² b =   1.2381 × 10⁻³ aspherical [3] radius of curvature 1.53 k = −7.8565 × 10⁻¹ a = −8.1871 × 10⁻³ b =   5.1768 × 10⁻³ aspherical [4] radius of curvature −13.60 k =      0 × 10⁺⁰ a = −5.6706 × 10⁻³ b =   2.5375 × 10⁻³ aspherical [5] radius of curvature −0.85 k = −5.3523 × 10⁻¹ a =   1.3584 × 10⁻¹ b = −1.6922 × 10⁻² aspherical [6] radius of curvature −1.68 k = −6.4443 × 10⁻¹ a =   2.1914 × 10⁻² b =   6.1057 × 10⁻³ aspherical [7] radius of curvature 2.82 k = −1.2661 × 10⁺¹ a =   2.1744 × 10⁻³ b = −1.2013 × 10⁻³ aspherical [8] radius of curvature −479.44 k =  −1.8617 × 10⁺¹¹ a =   1.4787 × 10⁻³ b = −1.5746 × 10⁻³ The Second Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement developed along the optical axis in the second embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion of an image forming optical system in the second embodiment respectively.

The image forming optical system of the second embodiment comprises in order from an object side, a negative lens L1, a positive lens L2, an aperture stop S, a negative lens L3 and a positive lens L 4. In FIG. 3, the reference symbol I represents an image plane of an imaging element.

The meniscus lens L1 is the first lens, a concave surface of which is directed toward an object side. The lens 2 is the second lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an object side. The negative lens L3 is the third lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an image side. The positive lens L4 is the fourth lens.

Aspherical surfaces are formed on both surfaces of negative lens L1, both surfaces of positive lens L2, both surfaces of negative lens L3 and both surfaces of positive lens L4.

Lens data of optical members constituting the image forming optical system of the second embodiment are listed below.

In the second embodiment, the second lens L2 is made of glass. The first lens L1, the third lens L3 and the fourth lens L4 are made of plastic. As plastic materials used here, polycarbonate is used for the first lens L1 and the third lens L3, and Zeonex (registered trademark) which is polyolefin material is used for the fourth lens L4.

On the image plane of the image forming optical system, an imaging element having 3,000,000 pixels (a pitch of picture element 2.4 μm) in ⅓ inches square is arranged.

Numerical Data 2

-   the focal length: 4.70 mm, -   Fno (fully opened F number): 2.8, -   the image height: 3.0 mm, -   the half angle of field: 32°.

Surface Surface Radius distance Refraction No. curvature (Air space) Index Abbe's No. Object ∞ ∞ surface 1 aspherical [1] 0.57 1.5839 30.2 2 aspherical [2] 0.10 3 aspherical [3] 1.11 1.5638 60.6 4 aspherical [4] 0.12 5 aperture stop 1.40 6 aspherical [5] 0.50 1.5839 30.2 7 aspherical [6] 0.13 8 aspherical [7] 1.57 1.5256  6.4 9 aspherical [8] 1.51 Image ∞ plane aspherical [1] radius of curvature −2.17 k = −5.4830 × 10⁺⁰ a =   5.4850 × 10⁻³ b = −3.7580 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [2] radius of curvature −3.84 k = −1.7676 × 10⁺¹ a =   1.1300 × 10⁻² b =   5.0718 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [3] radius of curvature 1.78 k = −6.5980 × 10⁻¹ a =   1.8055 × 10⁻³ b =   1.0376 × 10⁻³ aspherical [4] radius of curvature −21.79 k =      0 × 10⁺⁰ a = −6.0840 × 10⁻³ b =   1.3710 × 10⁻³ aspherical [5] radius of curvature −0.78 k = −6.7942 × 10⁻¹ a =   2.0946 × 10⁻¹ b = −3.1537 × 10⁻² aspherical [6] radius of curvature −1.41 k = −5.9597 × 10⁻¹ a =   8.1044 × 10⁻² b =   1.9496 × 10⁻³ aspherical [7] radius of curvature 2.84 k = −1.1550 × 10⁺¹ a =   8.5124 × 10⁻⁴ b = −4.2973 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [8] radius of curvature 3093.92 k =  −1.8617 × 10⁺¹¹ a = −2.2936 × 10⁻³ b = −7.7612 × 10⁻⁴ The Third Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement developed along the optical axis in the third embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion of an image forming optical system in the third embodiment respectively.

The image forming optical system of the third embodiment comprises in order from an object side, a negative lens L1, a positive lens L2, an aperture stop S, a negative lens L3, and a positive lens L 4. In FIG. 5, the reference symbol I represents an image plane of an imaging element.

The negative lens L1 is the first lens, a concave surface of which is directed toward an object side. The positive lens L2 is the second lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an object side. The negative lens L3 is the third lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an image side. The positive lens L4 is the fourth lens.

Aspherical surfaces are formed on both surfaces of negative lens L1, both surfaces of positive lens L2, both surfaces of negative lens L3, and both surfaces of positive lens L4.

Data of optical members constituting the image f orming optical system of the third embodiment are listed below.

In the third embodiment, the second lens L2 is made of glass, and the first lens L1, the third lens L3 and the fourth lens L4 are made of plastic. As plastic materials used here, polycarbonate is used for the first lens L1 and the third lens L3, and Zeonex (registered trademark) which is polyolefin material is used for the fourth lens L4.

On the image plane of the image forming optical system, an imaging element having 2,000,000 pixels (a pitch of picture element 3.0 μm) in ⅓ inches square is arranged.

Numerical Data 3

-   the focal length: 4.50 mm, -   Fno (fully opened F number): 2.4, -   the image height: 3.0 mm, -   the half angle of field: 34°.

Surface Surface Radius distance Refraction No. curvature (Air space) Index Abbe's No. Object ∞ ∞ surface 1 aspherical [1] 0.54 1.5839 30.2 2 aspherical [2] 0.10 3 aspherical [3] 1.17 1.5831 59.4 4 aspherical [4] 0.10 5 aperture stop 1.40 6 aspherical [5] 0.50 1.5839 30.2 7 aspherical [6] 0.10 8 aspherical [7] 1.60 1.5256  6.4 9 aspherical [8] 1.51 Image ∞ plane aspherical [1] radius of curvature −1.98 k = −5.2208 × 10⁺⁰ a =   4.9683 × 10⁻³ b = −2.4715 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [2] radius of curvature −3.52 k = −1.5791 × 10⁺⁰ a =   1.0573 × 10⁻² b =   9.5080 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [3] radius of curvature 1.87 k = −7.7309 × 10⁻¹ a = −1.2989 × 10⁻³ b =   2.9344 × 10⁻³ aspherical [4] radius of curvature −16.09 k =      0 × 10⁺⁰ a = −4.3582 × 10⁻³ b =   1.5427 × 10⁻³ aspherical [5] radius of curvature −0.80 k = −6.0512 × 10⁻¹ a =   2.7115 × 10⁻¹ b = −8.9567 × 10⁻² c =   6.1312 × 10⁻² aspherical [6] radius of curvature −1.52 k = −3.1053 × 10⁻¹ a =   6.6032 × 10⁻² b =   1.3722 × 10⁻² aspherical [7] radius of curvature 2.37 k = −1.2635 × 10⁺¹ a =   1.2704 × 10⁻³ b = −4.5089 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [8] radius of curvature 473.74 k =  −1.8617 × 10⁺¹¹ a = −2.1569 × 10⁻³ b = −7.7102 × 10⁻⁴ The Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an optical arrangement developed along the optical axis in the fourth embodiment of an image forming optical system according to the present invention. FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing spherical aberration, astigmatism and distortion of an image forming optical system in the fourth embodiment respectively.

The image forming optical system of the fourth embodiment comprises, in order from an object side, a negative lens L1, a positive lens L2, an aperture stop S, a negative lens L3, and a positive lens L 4. In FIG. 7, the reference symbol I represents an image plane of an imaging element.

The negative lens L1 is the first lens, a concave surface of which is directed toward an object side. The positive lens L2 is the second lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an object side. The negative lens L3 is the third lens, a convex surface of which is directed toward an image side. The positive lens L4 is the fourth lens

Aspherical surfaces are formed on both surfaces of negative lens L1, both surfaces of positive lens L2, both surfaces of negative lens L3, and both surfaces of positive lens L4.

Data of optical members constituting the image f orming optical system of the fourth embodiment ar e listed below.

In the fourth embodiment, the first lens L1 and the second lens L2 are made of glass and the third lens L3 and the fourth lens L4 are made of plastic. As plastic materials used here, polycarbonate is used for the third lens L3 and Zeonex (registered trademark) which is polyolefin material is used for the fourth lens L4.

On the image plane of the image forming optical system, an imaging element having 1,300,000 pixels (a pitch of picture element 3.6 μm) in ⅓ inches square is arranged.

Numerical Data 4

-   the focal length: 4.34 mm, -   Fno (fully opened F number): 2.0, -   the image height: 3.0 mm, -   the half angle of field: 33°.

Surface Surface Radius distance Refraction No. curvature (Air space) Index Abbe's No. Object ∞ ∞ surface 1 aspherical [1] 0.54 1.5839 30.2 2 aspherical [2] 0.10 3 aspherical [3] 1.17 1.5831 59.4 4 aspherical [4] 0.10 5 aperture stop 1.40 6 aspherical [5] 0.50 1.5839 30.2 7 aspherical [6] 0.10 8 aspherical [7] 1.60 1.5256 56.4 9 aspherical [8] 1.51 Image ∞ plane aspherical [1] radius of curvature −1.98 k = −5.2208 × 10⁺⁰ a =   4.9683 × 10⁻³ b = −2.4715 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [2] radius of curvature −3.52 k = −1.5791 × 10⁺¹ a =   1.0573 × 10⁻² b =   9.5080 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [3] radius of curvature 1.87 k = −7.7309 × 10⁻¹ a = −1.2989 × 10⁻³ b =   2.9344 × 10⁻³ aspherical [4] radius of curvature −16.09 k =      0 × 10⁺⁰ a = −4.3582 × 10⁻³ b =   1.5427 × 10⁻³ aspherical [5] radius of curvature −0.80 k = −6.0512 × 10⁻¹ a =   2.7115 × 10⁻¹ b = −8.9567 × 10⁻² c =   6.1312 × 10⁻² aspherical [6] radius of curvature −1.52 k = −3.1053 × 10⁻¹ a =   6.6032 × 10⁻² b =   1.3722 × 10⁻² aspherical [7] radius of curvature 2.37 k = −1.2635 × 10⁺¹ a =   1.2704 × 10⁻³ b = −4.5089 × 10⁻⁴ aspherical [8] radius of curvature 473.74 k =  −1.8617 × 10⁺¹¹ a = −2.1569 × 10⁻³ b = −7.7102 × 10⁻⁴

In the embodiments of the present invention, at least one of lenses is made of plastic. However, such lens can be constituted with glass instead of plastic. For example, if a lens is constituted with glass having refractive index higher than those used in the embodiments, an optical system with higher performance can be achieved. If special low dispersion glass is used, it is effective for the correction of chromatic aberration. Moreover, when a lens is constituted with plastic, degradation of the performance owing to environmental change can be mitigated by using low moisture-absorption material.

In each embodiment mentioned above, a flare cut stop can be used instead of an aperture stop in order to cut an unnecessary light of ghost, flare and the like. This flare cut aperture can be arranged in any place in front of the first lens, between the first lens and the aperture stop, between the aperture stop and the second lens, between the second lens and the third lens, or between the third lens and the image plane.

In order to get function of the flare cut stop, it is possible to use a method in which a flare light is cut by a frame, or another method in which a flare light is cut by arranging another member. Also, it is possible to constitute a flare cut stop by printing, painting and gluing a seal and the like, directly to the image forming optical system. As to the shape of the stop, any type of shape formed by such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon and a scope surrounded by a function curve can be also used.

By arranging a flare stop, it is possible to cut not only detrimental luminous flux but also luminous flux of the coma flare and the like at a circumferential portion on the picture plane.

Moreover, when a coating for preventing of reflection is made to each lens, ghost and flare can be reduced. If a multiple coating is made, ghost and flare can be efficiently reduced. Furthermore, infrared cut coating can be also made to a surface of a lens and a cover glass and the like.

In each embodiment mentioned above, focusing can be carried out for adjusting the focus. As focusing methods, it is possible to use any of the method, such as a method where the whole lenses or a part of lenses is moved outward for focusing, or a method where the whole lenses, or the other type of method where a part of lenses is moved inward for focusing.

Decrease of the brightness around circumferential portion of a picture image plane can be mitigated by shifting a micro lens of CCD. For example, the design of the micro lens of CCD may be changed according to the incident angle of the light at each image height. Correction of decreased quantity of the brightness around circumferential portion of a picture image plane can be carried out by image processing.

Although an illustration has not been given, the optical system of the present invention is also suitable for optical equipment such as a camera and a surveillance camera in which film or CCD is used as recording member. Therefore, an optical device equipped with the optical system mentioned above is also included in the present invention.

The numerical values calculated by the conditions of each embodiment 1 to 4 mentioned above are shown in the following table 1.

TABLE 1 The first The second The third The fourth embodiment embodiment embodiment embodiment φm/ØP 0.50 0.63 0.52 0.45 r1f/f −0.43 −0.46 −0.44 −0.43 f12/f 0.77 0.78 0.83 0.88 EXP/f 1.16 1.12 1.19 1.26 Fno/P[1 μm] 0.78 1.17 0.80 0.56 ML/TL 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.07

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital camera in which an image forming optical system according to the present invention is used in a photographing optical system. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 represents a photographing optical system having photographing optical path 2, reference numeral 3 is a finder optical system with an optical path 4 for finder, reference numeral 5 is a shutter button, reference numeral 6 is a flush lump and reference numeral 7 is a monitor with liquid crystal display. When pressing the shutter button 5 arranged on the camera, in responding such action, photographing is carried out via the photographing optical system 1.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a front view and a side view showing an example of a cellular phone in which an image forming optical system according to the present invention is used in a photographing optical system. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 10 represents a microphone portion, reference numeral 11 is a speaker portion, 12 is an input dial, 13 is a monitor, 14 is a photographing optical system and 15 is an antenna by which transmission and reception of electric waves for communication is performed. The microphone portion 10 inputs an operator's voice as information, and the speaker portion 11 outputs a communication partner's voice. The input dial 12 is used for an operator inputting information, and the monitor 13 displays information, such as photographed image of the operator as well as a telephone call partner, and a telephone number.

The photographing optical system 14 has the image forming optical system of the present invention arranged on the photographing optical path 16, and the imaging element which receives an image light, which are arranged in the cellular phone. An IR cut filter is arranged in front of an imaging element, and a cover glass for protecting this optical system at the top of the photographing optical system 14 is arranged. The object image received with the imaging element is inputted into the processing means (not illustrated) which is built in the cellular phone, and is displayed as an electronic picture on the monitor 13 and/or another monitor at a communication partner's side. When transmitting a picture image to a communication partner, an information of the object image received by the imaging element is converted into a signal which can be transmitted by the signal-processing function included in the processing means mentioned above. 

1. An image forming optical system comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens which has negative refracting power and a concave surface directed toward an object side; a second lens having double convex surfaces; an aperture stop; a third lens which is meniscus lens having negative refracting power and a convex surface directed toward an image side; and a fourth lens having positive refracting power.
 2. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, wherein each surface at an object side and at an image side of the fourth lens is formed to be an aspherical surface having radius of curvature which decreases toward a circumferential portion and the following condition is satisfied: 0.05<φm/φp<0.90 where φm represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the maximum light height and φp represents the power of the fourth lens at the position of the paraxis.
 3. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, satisfying the following condition: −2.0<r1f/f<−0.1 where r1f represents the radius of curvature of the first lens at the object side and f is the focal length of the image forming optical system as a whole system.
 4. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging element for picking up an image formed by the image forming optical system and satisfying the following condition: 0.30[1/μm]<Fno/P[μm]<2.50 [1/μm] where Fno represents the F number fully opened in the image forming optical system and P represents the pixel pitch of the imaging element.
 5. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, wherein the first lens through the fourth lens include at least one plastic lens satisfying the following condition: 0.02<ML/TL<0.15 where TL represents the whole length of the image forming optical system and ML represents the axial thickness on the axis of a plastic lens that has the smallest thickness among the at least one plastic lens constituting the image forming optical system.
 6. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, satisfying the following condition: 0.3<f12/f<2.0 where f12 represents the composite focal length of the first lens and the second lens and f represents the whole focal length of the image forming optical system.
 7. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming optical system has an exit pupil satisfying the following condition: 0.5<EXP/f<2.5 where EXP represents the distance of the exit pupil from an image plane and f is the whole focal length of the image forming optical system.
 8. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, wherein the third lens is made of plastic material.
 9. An image forming optical system according to claim 1, wherein the fourth lens is made of plastic material.
 10. An electric device equipped with the image forming optical system according to claim
 1. 